TARDIS Newsroom

February 2012

I've just read an article in an online childrens development magazine (KidsLife) that I thought others may be interested in. The article is called "The importance of fantasy" and it postulates "At the heart of fantasy is the question 'What if?'.

This is not just an article about children however. The is a whole subheading about "Fantasy in literature" in which the author says "Imagined worlds and imagined societies–such writers tell us–allow us to question our own way of doing things, and to consider more critically our approach to life."

It saddens me to say that we've lost another Doctor Who vetran. Peter Halliday passed way on the 19th of February. It's taken a while for the information to filter out, Peter for most shall be remembered as the unfortunate, violence happy Packer in The Invasion along side Patrick Troughton and Kevin Stoney. But it was not to be his only role, he also did voices for The Silurians and Ambassadors of Death in Jon Pertwee's 1st full Season. Then going on to star as Plectrac in Carnival of Monsters.

Later he appeared along side Tom Baker in the City of Death, as a soldier, and finally along side Sylvester McCoy in Remembrance of the Daleks as the Vicar in the closing moments of Episode 4.

Crossovers have been the subject of fan fiction for many years. However, when a crossover is made official it creates excitement on a whole other level for fans.

Starting in May, IDW Publishing will officially print a comic series that will bring two of the biggest science fiction franchises together; Doctor Who and Star Trek. More specifically, they will be using Star Trek: The Next Generation. The series will feature the Doctor, Rory, Amy, Captain Picard, Worf, Data, Geordie LaForge, Deanna Troy, Will Riker and the rest of the Star Trek team. The image seen right featuring the Doctor, Rory, & Amy from Doctor Who will be used as one cover in the series.

The shooting for Series 7 is due to start on the 20th February, with rehersals starting this Monday on the 13th.

Writers so far include Steven Moffat, Mark Gattis & John Fay the latter was part resposible for Torchwood Children of Earth. To them Gareth Robberts and Chris "42" Chibnell have also been added, Chris's episode being looked at, at this moment in time for Episode 3.

So spoiler-phobes from the 20th of February fingers in ears and chant the mantra, It's not on TV yet, It's not on TV yet, na na na na na! But I'll see it soon enough....

Less than a year ago we lost Elisabeth Sladen. At that time, only six of the twelve episodes for the fifth series of The Sarah Jane Adventures were shot. Fortunately, we got to see those six episodes starting last October on the CBBC. In this latest episode of Hitchhiker's Guide to British Sci-Fi we review this abbreviated and final series. Join Dave, Graeme, and myself as we bid farewall to the series.

Plus other news including Blake's 7 and the new forthcoming Aliens vs. Wizards and more.